Chocolate Covered Stuffed Dates

These Chocolate Covered Stuffed Dates are perfect for satisfying sweet cravings and what's more, just two dates count as one of your 5 a day. I like to make these at the weekend- they're so simple to make- so that they're on hand throughout the week whenever a sweet craving strikes. Play around with different nut butters and toppings to create your own favourite flavour combinations. I like the combination of almond butter with goji berries, hazelnut butter with chopped nuts, cashew butter with cacao nibs and peanut butter with rock salt but the reality is that the possibilities are practically endless!

Three great health benefits: beneficial for bone health, good source of fibre, energy boosting

Makes 12
Keep refrigerated

Ingredients:
1/4 cup cacao powder
1/4 cup maple syrup
1/4 cup coconut oil
12 medjool dates, pitted (by slicing through the centre lengthways)
6 tsp nut butter (1/2 tsp for each date)
Toppings, as desired: e.g. goji berries, finely chopped nuts, cacao nibs, rock salt

Method:
1) Place the cacao powder, maple syrup and coconut oil in a small saucepan and melt together over a medium heat on the hob, stirring to combine. Remove from the heat and set aside to thicken slightly, until it resembles melted chocolate (the mixture shouldn't set).
2) Line a plate or baking tray with greaseproof paper or a silicone mat. Take each date individually and fill the centre with 1/2 tsp of your desired nut butter. Dip into the chocolate mixture to cover completely then place on the prepared plate or tray. Repeat with each of the dates. After a couple of minutes, sprinkle with your desired topping. Refrigerate for at least an hour to set.

Let me know if you try out this recipe! Tag me on Twitter @HaloEats or Instagram @halo.eats